Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Kohler is seeking a Staff Engineer, Manufacturing Automation to lead advanced automation initiatives across our manufacturing plants. In this role, you will design, implement, and optimize automated production systems, integrating robotics, PLCs, motion control, and data acquisition to improve safety, quality, and throughput. You will lead cross-functional teams, develop equipment specifications, manage vendors, and drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma tools. Partner with global sites to standardize best practices, support commissioning and troubleshooting, and mentor engineers while advancing sustainable, efficient manufacturing solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, PLCs, and motion control.
• Develop equipment specifications, layouts, and standards for automation projects.
• Manage automation project lifecycle from concept through commissioning and handoff to operations.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and maintenance teams to improve safety, quality, and throughput.
• Integrate data acquisition, OEE, and analytics tools to monitor and optimize equipment performance.
• Standardize automation best practices and documentation across global manufacturing sites.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues, providing advanced technical support.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Evaluate and manage automation vendors, integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Mentor engineers and technicians in automation technologies and best practices.

Required Skills

• Manufacturing automation
• PLC programming
• Robotics integration
• Industrial controls (HMI/SCADA)
• Motion control systems
• Industrial networking
• CAD for tooling/layout
• Lean manufacturing
• Six Sigma/continuous improvement
• Data acquisition/OEE analytics